Non-Circular Core Fiber for Uniform Irradiance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light diffusers for photoimmunotherapy and photodynamic therapy suffer from poor spatial uniformity of irradiance distribution, leading to inefficient treatment delivery and increased costs due to the need for mode mixers that incur high transmission losses and risk of thermal damage.
Innovation Solution
A light diffusing device with a non-circular core fiber that achieves a 'top hat' core irradiance distribution without the use of conventional mode mixers, utilizing internal scattering features and a non-circular core geometry to ensure uniform light distribution across the treatment area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional cylindrical diffusers are used, then light delivery is achieved, but spatial uniformity of irradiance distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric diffuser geometries including conical diffusers with varying angles, non-circular cross-sections (square, rectangular, triangular), and tapered configurations to transform the inherently non-uniform light distribution from cylindrical fibers into uniform irradiance patterns. The asymmetric shapes create multiple light scattering paths that homogenize the output distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional cylindrical diffusers to two-dimensional and three-dimensional diffuser structures with varying cross-sections along the length. This includes conical diffusers that expand in one dimension, and multi-faceted diffusers that utilize angular surfaces to redistribute light spatially across multiple dimensions, achieving uniform irradiance distribution.
2Illumination intensity
If mode mixers are used to improve uniformity, then irradiance distribution improves, but transmission losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mode mixer component entirely from the system, achieving uniform irradiance distribution through the diffuser geometry alone. By extracting the mode mixing function and integrating it into the diffuser structure itself, the invention eliminates the associated transmission losses while maintaining uniformity improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the mode mixing function with the diffuser structure, creating a unified component that performs both functions simultaneously. The diffuser geometry itself creates the mode mixing effect through asymmetric light scattering, eliminating the need for separate mode mixer elements and reducing overall transmission losses.
3Illumination intensity
If mode mixers are used to achieve uniformity, then irradiance distribution improves, but thermal damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mode mixer component that generates excessive heat, achieving uniform irradiance distribution through diffuser geometry alone. This extraction eliminates the thermal damage risk associated with mode mixers while preserving the uniformity benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of concentrated light (which could cause thermal damage) into a benefit by using asymmetric diffuser geometries to automatically distribute the light uniformly. The same light that could concentrate heat is redirected through geometric scattering to create even distribution, turning a thermal risk into a uniform illumination benefit.
4Productivity
If conventional diffusers are used, then light delivery is achieved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs diffuser tips made from cost-effective materials such as 3D-printed polymers, molded plastics, or simple geometric shapes that can be manufactured inexpensively. These diffuser elements are designed to be replaceable or disposable, reducing the need for expensive, precision-machined components while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the manufacturing parameters from precision machining of metal or glass components to additive manufacturing or injection molding of polymer diffusers. This parameter change in manufacturing methodology significantly reduces production costs while achieving the required optical performance through geometric design optimization.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a cost-effective and robust light diffusing device with improved spatial uniformity, reducing transmission losses and minimizing the risk of thermal damage, while maintaining high efficiency in delivering light for medical treatments.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing internal scattering features and a non-circular core geometry to ensure uniform light distribution across the treatment area
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a frontal light diffusing device comprising a non-circular core fiber section having a proximal end and a distal end, and a lens; wherein fiber core of the non-circular core section has a “top hat” core irradiance distribution and the frontal light diffusing device provides a “top hat” spatial irradiance distribution at a targeted location. The present invention further provides a frontal light diffusing device comprising an optical fiber and a collimation lens assembly wherein the collimation lens assembly includes a variable aperture that blocks portions of light outcoupled from the optical fiber thereby allowing only a central portion of the light to exit through the variable aperture resulting in a flat irradiance distribution.